I want to first start by saying WELCOME! I am so glad you are here.

thrive (yes, no capital T!) was created to help men heal, grow, and embrace healthier versions of themselves.

But before we dive in, I want to share a bit about me.

I’m smiling now, but years ago, I was a very different person and you probably wouldn’t have liked me.

I felt stuck in ways I didn’t even have words for. I was carrying the weight of unspoken emotions, struggling to meet expectations at work, and feeling disconnected from the people who mattered most to me.

I was miserable and angry all the time, and not sure why.

I thought I had to keep it all together—because isn’t that what men are supposed to do? But the truth is, I was only sinking deeper into frustration and isolation.

It wasn’t until I started facing my struggles head-on with a personal coach, that I began to embrace vulnerability, and sought new ways to grow that I began to feel lighter, clearer, and more connected to myself and others.

The coaching experience changed my life, attitude, and behaviours so much, that I myself became a coach to help men in particular, overcome their struggles.

I created thrive because I know how hard it is to take that first step—and I want to make it easier for you.

Here’s what you can expect from this and every newsletter:
1️⃣ A Teachable Insight to challenge your mindset and help you grow.
2️⃣ Two Key Takeaways you can apply immediately.
3️⃣ Three Questions or Activities to guide your personal journey.

Let’s dive into your first edition and start this journey together.

Teachable Insight: Understanding Emotional Stagnation

Emotional stagnation can feel like being stuck in a swamp—you’re trying to move forward, but every step feels heavy, exhausting, and futile.

Over time, this “stuckness” can manifest in ways you might not even recognize, such as:

• Feeling disconnected from your emotions and relationships.

• Experiencing a constant low-level dissatisfaction, even when things seem "fine" on the surface.

• Avoiding reflection or change because it feels too overwhelming or pointless.

• Anger, like it did in my case.

Why Does Emotional Stagnation Happen?

• You Are Suppressing Emotions Instead of Processing Them

  Many of us were raised to believe that emotions like sadness, fear, or even joy are signs of weakness. Instead of processing them, we were taught to “man up,” keep going, and bury what we feel. But suppressing emotions doesn’t make them disappear—it only pushes them deeper, where they quietly build into anxiety, frustration, or numbness.

• Unrealistic Expectations of Masculinity
  Society often ties masculinity to being stoic, self-reliant, and “always in control.” This mindset leaves little room for vulnerability or admitting when we’re struggling. Over time, the pressure to uphold this ideal can become suffocating, leading to feelings of failure or inadequacy when we can’t meet these unrealistic standards.

• The Fear of Facing Yourself
  Sometimes, stagnation is a defense mechanism. Avoiding reflection and growth can feel safer than confronting the painful truths about what’s not working in your life. But the cost of staying stuck is high—relationships, self-esteem, and your sense of purpose can all take a hit.

What Emotional Stagnation Does to You

Living in this state of stagnation can erode your confidence, motivation, and even your physical health. The longer it goes unaddressed, the harder it feels to make a change. You might start to believe:

• “This is just how life is.”

• “I’m too old to change.”

• “No one else is struggling like I am.”

These beliefs are lies that keep you stuck. 

The truth?

Emotional stagnation isn’t permanent. It’s simply a signal that something needs your attention—and taking even a small step can start to turn things around.

Takeaways

1. Emotions are signals, not the enemy. Instead of ignoring or suppressing emotions, treat them as valuable data. Ask yourself: What is this emotion trying to tell me?

2. Start small, stay consistent. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but even the smallest actions can spark change. Focus on doing one thing better today than you did yesterday.

Questions or Activities

1. Journal Prompt: I know what you are thinking- men don’t journal! Successful ones do! What writing on paper does causes you think, and thinking causes action. So, if you want to make some simple changes in your life, pick up a pen! Let your mind wander and your hand flow to cleanse your mind.

   Truth be told, I didn’t see the value in it at first and it felt odd, but it really did help me to open up to my feelings and address issues I have kept inside for decades.

   Having said that, here are your journal prompts: What’s one emotion I’ve been avoiding lately? Why do I think I’ve been avoiding it?

2. Action Step: Choose one habit that helps you feel calm or grounded (e.g., deep breathing, walking, or disconnecting from your phone). Commit to doing it daily for a week.

3. Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel stuck. What’s one small action you can take to address it this week?

Final Thoughts

You’ve already taken the first step by opening this email. Remember: Growth is a journey, and progress—no matter how small—is still progress.

Let’s make this week the first step in breaking free and becoming the best version of yourself.

👉 What’s the one emotion you’re ready to tackle first? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you.